Though Mother’s Day falls in the month of May, the Trigg County and Pennyrile Area Health Departments united to provide fathers with helpful hints and tips to better parenting with a picnic lunch last Friday.

Trigg County Health Department RN Linda Burnam said that the program began with a grant from the Fatherhood Initiative. Original plans called for the picnic to be held in West Cadiz Park, though spring showers moved the event to the John L. Street Library Basement.

The Health Accredited Nurturing Development Service (HANDS) Program presented the program. Burnam said that HANDS is available to all first-time parents.

“We have a lot going on today,” said Burnam. “Joe Farliss with Pennyrile Allied Community Services will talk about how important it is to be a father in the life of a child. We have a health educator coming to give a demonstration on shaken baby syndrome. We teach fathers to walk away or call for help rather than to get angry. It can happen quickly, so we have to warn dads.”

Burnam said that all fathers in attendance received a bag for diapers and other supplies, with a t-shirt and some literature on fatherhood. She said that the Trigg County Hospital provided lunch at the event.

Hands Supervisor Ashley Green of Caldwell County said, “The focus has changed on fatherhood. In the past, fathers were thought to be the providers, and now they are seen not just in a financial role in the family.”